A pro-life group's plans and the future of the state's only abortion clinic are linked.

"You will always be a mother, but you will be a mother of a dead child when you walk into that place," shouted Patricia Hunter, secretary-treasurer of L.E.A.R.N., Inc., outside the clinic gate Friday.

L.E.A.R.N. stands for Life Education and Resource Network. Its director, the Rev. Dr. Johnny Hunter, and his wife stood outside the state's only abortion clinic, trying to talk the women out of having abortions and the employees from performing them.

"It's wrong to take money to kill little babies. That's wrong," said Dr. Hunter.

They came from North Carolina, home of the largest black pro-life group. They are joining Operation Save America, focusing national efforts on the Jackson Women's Health Clinic.

"The reason they're coming here is because the battle lines have been drawn right here in Mississippi."

Mississippi took center stage in the abortion debate when the House passed a complete ban of abortions in March 2006. Other local pro-lifers gather at the clinic each week.

"As long as we're working toward the same goal, yeah, we're with them," said Melody Miller of Pro-Life Mississippi.

But as Operation Save America turns its attention on Jackson, ACLU director Nsombi Lambright is concerned for the safety of women who seek services at the clinic.

"People don't remember, but these are the same folks that used to bomb clinics in the early '90s," said Lambright.

Pamphlets are going out promoting a major event here in July. Folks from all across the country are expected here with one goal, to shut down this abortion clinic.

THE ACLU and the National Organization for Women are providing support to the clinic, promoting extra security and law enforcement presence during the week-long event next month. As for the clinic's future, Lambright is optimistic.

"I think that the clinic is a very safe and healthy facility that provides a very needed service in the state of Mississippi," said Lambright. "And I believe they're doing all they can to keep their doors open."

Protesters recognize the end of the clinic won't mean an end to abortions.

"That's why we want to work on the hearts and minds of those thinking about doing it," said Dr. Hunter.